Microsoft unveils Special Edition Chrome Series Xbox 360 joypads

Attention is starting to turn toward the Next Xbox, but Microsoft's not done with the good ol' Xbox 360 just yet.

Starting next month, gamers will be able to get their hands on a choice of three new Special Edition Chrome Series Controllers. The wireless pads, pictured below, will be available in Blue, Red and Silver, and will each feature the transforming d-pad introduced in 2011.

Retail availability is loosely pinned as "mid-May" with an estimated price of $55 (roughly £35), but getting hold of your desired colour may be tricker than you'd think. There's no mention yet of UK availability, but on Microsoft's home turf, the Blue controller will be exclusive to GameStop, the Red will be available from Walmart while the Silver pad will be found at either Best Buy or Microsoft stores.

We're taking a liking to the Red and Blue variants, but the premium price tag might limit the appeal of these controllers to all but the hardened Xbox enthusiasts. As far as we can tell, Microsoft won't be including a Play and Charge Kit as part of the bundle, either.